Best of Peru & Galapagos

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Visit Peru's incredible natural and historical highlights on this awesome adventure. Retrace the steps of the Incas to Machu Picchu, admire colonial cities, explore vibrant markets and meet the locals in this South American country with a difference. Return home with incredible memories of the panoramas and people of Peru. Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Tour the Galapagos' outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot, boat and bike on this active adventure. Trace Darwin's theory of evolution, spot colourful, bizarre and beautiful creatures and have an experience that is completely out of this world as you discover the incredible Galapagos Islands.

Why you'll love this trip

Marvel at the mother of all Inca cities, magical Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins and free time to explore on your own

Enjoy plenty of time in gorgeous Cusco, the perfect place to launch into further outdoor adventures, or simply relax and take in mountain views

The floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are astounding in concept, construction and history. Take a boat tour on the world's highest navigable lake and stay with a local family there.

Get acquainted with the beautiful churches and graceful boulevards of Quito, Ecuador's capital

The Galapagos Islands played a profound role in forming Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection. Explore the islands on this in-depth adventure, coming face-to-face with some of the most extraordinary wildlife on earth

Get your blood pumping as you scale a volcano on Isabela Island, and kayak in beautiful Isabela Bay

Get up close and personal with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island. These nearly extinct creatures are one of the greatest drawcards to the Galapagos

This is a land based Galapagos trip, we use locally owned hotels on the islands. On this trip you will have more opportunities to interact with the locals as opposed to staying on a boat.

Is this trip right for you?

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

The facilities are basic at your homestay on Lake Titicaca. While creature comforts are few and far between while you're there, many travellers find the experience a rich and rewarding one.

The sun in the Galapagos islands is incredibly strong due to its close proximity to the equator, ensure you are well prepared with suncreen, sun hat, sunglasses and a rash guard if desired.

This trip does include snorkeling on multiple days throughout the itinerary. Confident swimming skills are required to take part in this tour.

This trip involves a lot of travel by speed boat between the various Galapagos Islands, the rides can be quite bumpy at times. The good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Consult a health professional before your trip.

Wildlife is a big focus on this trip, with activities like bird watching and swimming.

This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6-7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes that offer good support.

Gallery

Itinerary

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s capital and one of South America’s most beautiful cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and tour leader. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. After the meeting, stroll the streets of downtown Lima and check out some of its main attractions on a leader-led walking tour. Enjoy free time before an optional group dinner this evening. The unofficial food capital of South America, there’s no better place to sample Peru’s national dish, ceviche, than at one of Lima’s excellent restaurants. As there's little time spent in Lima, you may like to arrive a few days early to see the sights, including the chic suburb of Miraflores, Central Park, Lovers' Park and the National Museum.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3450 metres/11,320 feet) and then get acquainted with this charming town on a walking tour with your leader. Check out Cusco’s vibrant main square (Plaza de Armas). Witness the flurry of activity that characterises San Pedro market. Stroll past the slew of quaint restaurants and artisans found in San Blas Square. See Qoricancha (an Inca Sun Temple) and the famous 12 Angle Stone, then end your tour at the chocolate museum, where you’ll get a chance to sample hot chocolate made from local cacao beans. This might be a good opportunity to purchase some gifts or souvenirs. There’s a small store where you’ll find various handicrafts and a variety of artisanal chocolate products.

Special Information

Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley (approximately 2 hours) on the outskirts of Cusco. This lush valley was known as Wilcamayo to the Incas and has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. You will visit a community in the valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities. If your visit coincides with market day you can browse the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos, and perhaps practice your newfound language, Quechua. Later in the afternoon, board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This extra journey ensures that we can travel to Machu Picchu as early as possible tomorrow morning.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch

Meals Included

Take a bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility or is an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site (1.5–2 hours) with plenty of free time afterwards to wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, return to Cusco.

Note: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking climbs of Wayna Picchu.

Visiting Machu Picchu:
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Sunrise at Machu Picchu: The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6-6.30 am The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.

Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco's sights, or simply rest your legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas. For those who can't get enough active adventure, a mountain bike adventure into the surrounding hills is recommended.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking - USD120

Sacred Valley - Via Ferrata & Zipline - PEN265

Cusco - Stand Up Paddle Boarding - USD75

Cusco - Totem painting workshop - USD59

Rainbow Mountain Hike - USD97

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN:
Before you trip comes to an end, why not pay a visit to Instagram’s most popular mountain - Rainbow mountain (or Vinicunca in Quechua, the local language). This activity involves climbing up to more than 5000 meters above sea level in one day, which can lead to life threatening altitude sickness. As such, our tour leaders are only able to assist you booking this activity at the end of your stay in Cusco (when you will be better acclimatised) and on our own operated departures where we have full control over the safety aspects of this activity (such as transport, oxygen, emergency horses, adequate first aid kits and experienced guides). The price indicated for is indicative only and the final price will depend on the total number of travellers taking this activity. Ultimately the price can range from as little as $56 (with 16 travellers) to $216 for 2 travellers. A minimum of 2 travellers is required to operate this activity. Your tour leader can assist with booking this on the ground.

Travel by local bus across the spectacular Altiplano to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca (approximately 7 hours). Mingle with the locals in this melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan cultures and see how traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here. If you're lucky your visit might coincide with one of the colourful evening parades, which see the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Take a tour of the lake by slow motor boat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. Using the versatile totora reeds found in the shallows of the lake, the Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes. To get a closer look at daily life in the Lake Titicaca region, you'll be welcomed into the home of a local community and stay the night. Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities, communicating to them in Quechua or perhaps trying your luck with them at soccer.

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night)

Included Activities

Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay

Meals Included

Depart your homestay this morning and take a bus to Juliaca airport (approximately 2 hours). In the afternoon take an included flight flight back to Lima (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes). Enjoy a last night out with your fellow travellers in Lima.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Today, transfer to the airport and board an included flight from Lima to Ecuador’s capital, Quito. Once arrived, there are no activities planned until another group meeting held at 2 pm, where you’ll be briefed on the next stage of your South American adventure. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America, sitting at an altitude of 2850 metres with a view of Volcan Pichincha on the horizon. Later on, you’ll have a city tour to show the beautiful Colonial style buildings and help you explore the nooks and crannies of cosy Old Town. We’ll be back in Quito at the end of the trip, giving you a chance to further experience the city.

There are a lot of optional activities that, if you have time, you may like to book into either today or at the end of your adventure. They include:

Cotopaxi Volcano: For something more active, head out to the 5897-metre-high Cotopaxi Volcano – drop by the National Park museum, then hike for around 2 hours and visit the picturesque Limpiopungo Lagoon.

Quilotoa Lagoon: if you’re into lagoons, maybe take a full day trip to the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon. Early in the morning, drive 3 hours south through the local communities and Andes views of the Avenue of Volcanoes. Then hike (2 hours return) to the beautiful Quilotoa volcano crater lagoon, before returning to Quito. Something more chill is a full day at the Papallacta Hot Springs – take a scenic drive, reaching heights of 4150 metres, and then relax in springs with views to the towering Antisana Volcano.

Papallacta: Something more chill is a full day at the Papallacta Hot Springs – take a scenic drive, reaching heights of 4150 metres, and then relax in springs with views to the towering Antisana Volcano.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100

Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70

Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95

Urban Adventures: Quito Market Discovery - USD98

Urban Adventures: Quito Sweet & Culinary Experience - USD104

Urban Adventures: Condors and Culture in Otavalo - USD756

Urban Adventures: Quito Legends and Culture Tour - USD79

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting today to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

We recommend not partaking in any strenuous activity until you have time to gauge your reaction to the city’s high altitude, as some people experience mild symptoms of attitude sickness such as dizziness, shortness of breath and sleeplessness. Please see the 'Health' section in the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Catch an early morning transfer to Quito airport (approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour) for your flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. The flight will take approximately 3.5 hrs including a stop in Guayaquil to pick up additional passengers (you will not need to disembark the plane). The departure time will be between 8.20 am and 10.30 am depending on flight schedules.

Once you have passed through all the checks and formalities have been completed, transfer from the airport to the hotel (approximately 15 minutes). Soon after, travel to La Loberia where you'll put on snorkelling gear for the first time and go for a swim with sea lions, and maybe even some sea turtles! After an entertaining afternoon, continue back to town, where tonight you may wish to head out with your travel friends and enjoy some of the fresh seafood available.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)

Optional Activities

Wetsuit (shortsleeve) hire for 5 days - USD60

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Please note that the Galapagos National Institute has introduced a Transit Control Card. This card has a cost of USD 20 and it must be purchased by every person travelling to the Galapagos Islands. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival to the domestic airport, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight. Upon arrival you’ll need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 in cash, preferably in small bills.

Today begins with a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock). On the way we might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. There is also potential to swim among playful young sea lions. At Leon Dormido you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark. Currents can be quite strong so it's important you are a confident swimmer to participate in this activity. If you have any concerns, please ensure you speak with your leader. Eat lunch on the boat then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'Enchanted Islands' and the conservation projects which seek to preserve them. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), which is located two kilometres from the Interpretation Center. It's quite a climb to the top, but well worth the amazing views of the bay. Return to town in the late afternoon or early evening.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands

Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)

Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Special Information

If we are unable to visit Leon Dormido, alternative plans will be made to visit Isla Lobos, where sea lions, marine birds and marine iguanas are plentiful.

Take an early morning boat ride towards Isla Floreana, which should take about 2.5 hours. Along the way keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as dolphins and whales. On arrival to the island, snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. Afterwards venture to a black-sand beach which belongs to the Witmers, decedents of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town here, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela (approximately 2 hours). From Isabela Port it's a short transfer to the hotel where we will spend the night (approximately 15 minutes).

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Floreana - Snorkeling

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Special Information

Please note when you arrive at Isla Isabela, you'll need to pay a port fee of USD 10.

Start your second day on Isla Isabela with a short bus ride (approximately 15 minutes) to the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. The centre has almost a thousand giant tortoises preparing for life on their own. Afterwards, head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. In the afternoon, board a small Zodiac (panga) and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out en roue for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. On arrival, take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site. Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. In the late afternoon return to town in search of your own sandy resting spot and enjoy your first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)

Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)

Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)

Meals Included

Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano (approximately 45 minutes by bus), one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second-largest crater in the world. Weather permitting, take a challenging hike of around 17 kilometres up the rocky mountain, which takes 5—6 hours. After the hike, make your way back to town for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Isla Isabela- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Special Information

Unfortunately, recycling isn't available on Isabela, so please take your plastic rubbish with you.

Please ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes that offer good support for the hike today. During the rainy season it can get quite muddy. There's an option to hire gumboots locally, should you wish to do so. During the hike it can get quite hot and there isn't much shade along the way so be sure to come prepared with your hat, sunscreen and plenty of water (we recommend 2 litres per person).

Start the day with a kayak around Isabela before transferring by private speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz. Once you arrive on Santa Cruz head to a restaurant that offers a typical Eduadorian lunch package, simply referred to as ‘Menu’. This usually this consists of a fresh juice, a basic entree (usually a soup) and a main meal. These lunch deals are very popular throughout Ecuador so it’s a great way to eat like a local. In the afternoon enjoy free time to further explore the town or go on an optional excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Centre.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Kayaking - Isla Isabela

Optional Activities

Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes) - Free

Meals Included

In the afternoon visit the highland of Isla Santa Cruz to observe the giant tortoise roaming the wild. Afterwards visit a locally owned sugar cane farm. Here the farmers will show us the ways sugar cane is processed and turned into alcohol. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Later, head back to Puerto Ayora.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)

Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk

Meals Included

We say goodbye to the Galapagos today and take a flight back to Quito (Please note the flight will make a stop in Guayaquil). You'll arrive back to Quito later afternoon. Perhaps head out for a final group dinner with your travel pals to celebrate your South American adventure.

Meals Included

This morning your adventure comes to an end in Quito. As there are no activities planned for the final day, you can depart the accommodation at any time. Because there is little time spent in Quito on this trip, we recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. If you choose to stay on, we’d be happy to assist you with booking accommodation (subject to availability). Ecuador has some of the most beautiful churches in the Americas, including the lavish La Compania de Jesus, which is decorated with seven tonnes of gold. Not far from the capital, there are volcanoes, hot springs and Incan ruins to explore. Consider doing one of our one-day sightseeing tours of Quito, which can include the Old Town, markets and the city's culinary delights (see urbanadventures.com).

Meals Included

Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

16 breakfasts,
5 lunches,
1 dinner

Transport

Plane,
Speed boat,
Canoe,
Train,
Private vehicle,
Public bus

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night),
Hotel (15 nights)

Included activities

Cusco - Orientation Walk

Cusco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate

Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch

Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay

Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)

San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands

Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)

Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)

Floreana - Snorkeling

Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)

Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)

Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)

Isla Isabela- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

Kayaking - Isla Isabela

Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)

Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk

Meals

16 breakfasts,
5 lunches,
1 dinner

Transport

Plane,
Speed boat,
Canoe,
Train,
Private vehicle,
Public bus

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night),
Hotel (15 nights)

Included activities

Cusco - Orientation Walk

Cusco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate

Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch

Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay

Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)

San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands

Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)

Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)

Floreana - Snorkeling

Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)

Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)

Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)

Isla Isabela- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

Kayaking - Isla Isabela

Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)

Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk

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Important notes

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:
Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!
Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness

PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip however excludes night 7 (Lake Titicaca, Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation.

GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD & ISABELA PORT FEES
A Galapagos Transit Card fee of US$20 is payable on departure from Quito Airport (or whichever airport in Ecuador you are flying to the Galapagos from). The Galapagos park fee (US$100) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
When booking, please ensure that your details are correct and they match your passport.
Your passport must match the booking details provided to us; otherwise it could cause issues with your transit card and internal flights resulting in purchasing a new card and flights at your own expense.

SEA SICKNESS- GALAPAGOS
Please note that from June to August the water is rougher than usual. Consequently travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.

INTERNET IN THE GALAPAGOS:
Some of the hotels in the Galapagos do have internet connections however it's often very slow and and may not always be functional.

LUGGAGE:
Please ensure you have a day pack or small overnight bag in addition to your main luggage. This will be needed for the Homestay at Lake Titicaca and the night in Aguas Calientas, as you will be leaving your main luggage back at the hotels in Puno and Cusco respectively.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.